UNITED STATES AIR FORCE
Thor Able III | Explorer 6
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Aug 7, 1959 at 14:24 UTC
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MISSION OVERVIEW
Explorer 6 was an American satellite designed to study trapped radiation of various energies, galactic cosmic rays, geomagnetism, radio propagation and the flux of micrometeorites. It also tested a scanning device designed for photographing the Earth’s cloud cover, and transmitted the first pictures of Earth from a satellite.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Thor Able IIIAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Explorer 6
MISSION TYPE
Earth Science
TARGET ORBIT
Elliptical Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 17ALAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 7ab310ea-28d5-4c58-9bfd-ae9aefc40c20
Reported date: Aug 7, 1959 at 14:24 UTC
Last synced: 5 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE — Thor Able III →
MANUFACTURER
McDonnell Douglas
VARIANT
Able III
FLIGHTS
1
SUCCESSES
1
SUCCESS RATE
100%
American orbital launch vehicle. Thor with Able stage derived from Vanguard second stage.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Thor Able III | Explorer 6 launch?
The Thor Able III | Explorer 6 is scheduled for Friday, August 7, 1959 at 2:24 PM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Explorer 6?
The Thor Able III | Explorer 6 mission uses the Thor Able III rocket, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. The Thor Able III has flown 1 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Thor Able III | Explorer 6 launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Explorer 6 going to?
The Explorer 6 mission is targeting Elliptical Orbit.
Who is launching Explorer 6?
The Thor Able III | Explorer 6 is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Thor Able III | Explorer 6 launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Mar 28, 2026 20:12 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 28, 2026 20:12 UTC
Launch date set: Aug 7, 1959 at 14:24 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 28, 2026 20:12 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 5 minutes ago
●Launch Library 25 minutes ago
Launch ID: 7ab310ea-28d5-4c58-9bfd-ae9aefc40c20
●Open-Meteo Weather2 days ago
Pad weather at 28.45, -80.57
Mission Profile
Explorer 6 was a Thor Able III mission operated by United States Air Force that lifted off from Space Launch Complex 17A, Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA on August 7, 1959. The flight carried its payload on a earth science mission to Elliptical Orbit. The launch was a success.